Di©bougou: The National Bureau of Major Projects of Burkina Faso (BN-GPB) recently conducted an inspection of the 4-hectare agricultural development at the Di©bougou remand and correctional center. This visit was part of a broader mission to assess agricultural production developments in the nation's barracks and remand centers, focusing on the operational status and infrastructure functionality.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the project was funded under the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency (IP-P3A). The site boasts a range of essential features, including a 5 m³/h borehole with a solar-powered submersible pump, a 5 m³ water tower, a 50 m³ pond, and a 25 m³/h booster pump for irrigation purposes.
Inspector Ousseni Zabr©, director of the Di©bougou prison, explained, "The area was developed as part of the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency, with the aim of ensuring food provision for prisoners. The use of this area allows us to engage in market gardening. We mainly grow tomatoes, cabbage, and lettuce there." The previous growing season yielded 36 tons of tomatoes, 18 tons of cabbage, and half a ton of lettuce.
Inspector Zabr© further detailed the allocation of the harvest, stating, "And according to our regulations, there is a harvest distribution key that must be applied. One portion is intended for inmate consumption and the other for sale on the market. One-third of the harvest is reserved for inmate consumption." The revenue generated from sales is divided with 75% going into a prison account and the remaining 25% distributed among the production stakeholders.
The initiative not only enhances production capacity but also supports infrastructure maintenance and the dietary needs of inmates. Inspector Zabr© expressed appreciation for the support from national authorities, emphasizing the benefits for the prison community.
Additionally, the monitoring mission aimed to collect feedback from the beneficiaries to make recommendations for optimizing the use of the facilities, ensuring the initiative's long-term success.